Michael Joseph Guardino

Mike was born to Barbara and Richard Guardino in 1956 in San Jose, California. Growing up he enjoyed family trips to Yosemite, backpacking, journalism, photography, and music. While attending a marine biology course at UC Santa Cruz, he met his wife Patti Long, whom he married in 1987. At this time, he became stepfather to Chris and David Spilfogel, and, later, father to Nancy Guardino (now Nancy Matthiessen).

After graduating from Chico State University, Mike began a 34-year career as a high school science teacher. He was known by colleagues and his students alike for his dedication to teaching and his tireless commitment to his work. Mike had many passions and hobbies which he pursued intensely. He spent many summers backpacking in the Sierra backcountry, where he completed the John Muir trail numerous times as well as the Sierra High Route. He was passionate about marine biology and became a champion of Ed Ricketts Pacific Biological Laboratory, advocating for its preservation and restoration.

Mike was an avid SCUBA diver, logging thousands of dives in the Monterey Bay and teaching friends and family to dive as well. For many years, he taught a subtidal marine biology research course, in which he certified high schoolers in SCUBA. Mike loved diving for jade in Big Sur, and proudly brought beautiful stones back to show friends and family– most recently a 56-pound boulder, his biggest find yet. He dedicated many years of service to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, both as an employee and as a volunteer diver for 27 years. Mike conducted feeding shows in the kelp forest exhibit and cleaned windows as part of the Thursday B team, the “Killer B’s,” a group that became dear friends to him.

We will remember Mike for his delight in sharing the things he loved– pieces of jade, conversation, classic rock tunes, SCUBA dives, walks on the beach, adventures in the mountains, and much more– with his family, friends, and community. We will remember how generously he gave of himself, his kindness, and his commitment to justice.

Mike is survived by his wife Patricia (Patti) Ann Long; step-son, Chris Spilfogel; daughter, Nancy Matthiessen; son-in-law Tim Matthiessen; granddaughter, Naomi Jade Matthiessen; mother, Barbara Guardino; brothers, Bill Guardino (Janet), Mark Guardino, and Carl Guardino (Leslee), and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Guardino and his step-son David Spilfogel.

Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, to the Sierra Club, or toward the preservation of the Pacific Biological Laboratory (for PBL, send gifts via PayPal on the website http://monterey.org/museums or mail to Library & Museums Department, 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940).